12/30/12

Hope y'all had a wonderful Christmas with your families! Right now I'm sick to my bones. I just want to curl up and have my mommy take care of me, but alas she is across seas. Right now I just wish for someone to make me tea and tell me, it's going to be alright. This need to just hear it's going to be alright is something I want to remember so that I can oft tell my kids when they need it, that it's going to be alright.

Enjoy the music y'all. My kids still wants to hear Christmas tunes.

To you and your family!

Welcome to today's music. I hope Monday find you with a smile and music to begin your week with light steps.

Don't forget to visit the spotlight dancer in the #1 spot. Soon it might be your turn.

1. Visit YouTube (or other) and get your music for the theme of the week

2. Grab our "Monday's Music Moves Me" button (above)

3. Add your post to the linky - follow the hosts and grab our buttons. Leave a note so we can follow you back

4. Visit each other and leave a comment or whatever you want to do to let them know you were there. See if they have the same music style as you. Enjoy the music!

You can also join Denise @

Colette is a busy mom of 2 kids focusing solely on being a mom. She hails from the Caribbean and now balance the full life of being a SAHM and dabbling in odd jobs to help around the home. She enjoys sharing her memories, hopes, food, travel, entertainment, and product experiences on her blog.
Please read my disclosure Tweet

12/27/12

In a world where there is so much negative being pushed on us the audience, It's always such a breath of fresh air when kindness shines through in a big way. I've been hearing about the #26Actsofkindess around the web and I am in love with the idea. Whatever it takes for us to re-focus and realize that people are important and needs help, love and care, I"m all for it!It is especially an area of continued growth when we involve our children. When we move on to other things or die, our children will carry on the purpose of love and care for others that we instill in them. It's not enough just to talk about it. It's good to get them involved from their ideas combined with ours and actually physically doing things as a family. Throughout the year, I've done quite a few things with my children. Three of these significant ones are: 1. Pennies for Charity. We had a church picnic where the families would come with all their children. The children all had to bring 100 pennies each for the local charity that was being supported at the picnic. They had really fun penny games for the kids and the whole family had a really good time sharing and showing our children the importance of caring for others needs.

2. Can food driveThe kids had to bring canned goods for a local charity to our church. My children and I went about shopping. They had to choose cans off the shelf that they think a family need to cook with and put in the cart. They added the prices up and packed their own bags away from the regular groceries and brought it to church themselves.

They have to understand that many times, children their age go to bed hungry because they do not have enough to eat. I was one of those children. 3. Operation Christmas ChildThe children and I had list. My son shopped for a 7 year old boy and my daughter shopped for a 5 year old girl. I helped as I could, but these are things I want them to do with focus and understand why they are doing it.

I love being involved and I am especially so grateful that we have a church who are mission and people focused! Big or little, get involve and give of yourself to others. The blessings are worth it. And do check out JDaniels4'sMom for some cool ideas she has to get involved.

Share one charity that you support?

Colette is a busy mom of 2 kids focusing solely on being a mom. She hails from the Caribbean and now balances the full life of being a SAHM and dabbling in odd jobs to help around the home. She enjoys sharing her memories, hopes, food, travel, entertainment, and product experiences on her blog.
Please read my disclosure Tweet

12/26/12

The hot question on whether re-gifting is appropriate has been going hot for awhile now. I don't get it. It's not like people didn't used to do it before. Only difference was that no one spoke about it!

Of course I agree with re-gifting. Why be miserable or waste something you do not want. Just give it to charity or gift it to someone who actually needs it.

With Christmas out of the way, returning items is now probably uppermost in your mind. However, it's important to know your options after all the presents are unwrapped and those that didn't hit the mark are revealed.

According to a recent survey by the National Retail Federation, 83.1 percent of retailers indicated their return policies wouldn't change much during the holiday season. In fact, over 10 percent of stores said they'd make it easier for shoppers and ill-received gift recipients to return unwanted merchandise.
Whether it's a return or exchange you have to handle, these six tips will help make the process less of a hassle.

1. Review Return Policies
First things first: take stock of the items you don't want and review return policies for the stores from whence they came. If it's an online return, be sure the original packaging isn't tossed out with crumpled gift wrap. Ideally, you can get all your returns knocked out in one day as soon after Christmas as possible.

2. Exchange Cards for Cash
Since 81 percent of shoppers intend to buy a gift card during the holidays, it stands to reason a few of these will miss the mark. Happily, unsatisfied gift card recipients can exchange their card for cash on the aptly-named Gift Card Exchange Day scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 26. Gift cards can be sold for up to 92-percent of their value, or in exchange for an Amazon gift card.

3. Organize Reciepts
The best way to ensure hassle-free returns is to have your gift receipt or purchase confirmation handy. For quick access, download the OneReciept app to digitally store all your receipts. If you're returning something you purchased yourself, some stores like Banana Republic keep transaction histories which they can reference in lieu of a receipt.

4. Return to Store
If possible, try to dodge return shipping fees by returning an item in store. While this option is obviously not available for online-only purchases, most top retailers like Target, Walmart and Best Buy will accept merchandise returns for items purchased online. If you are doomed to ship the merchandise back to the online store, avoid long lines at the post office on January 3; this is historically the busiest day to return unwanted gifts by mail.

5. Card Protection
If you're missing receipts or attempting to return past a limited-time period, call your credit card company. Many cards offer extended return protection and other helpful return options for purchases made with the card. You will likely need to send the merchandise directly to the credit card issuer, but they will usually cover shipping costs. Just make sure the goods are in like-new condition.

6. Exchange Plus
Returning something is never a fun task, but it's certainly more bearable when you're exchanging it for something you like more. If that's the case, be sure to stretch your returned dollars with coupons. You can expect an abundance of end-of-year sales and promotions from your favorite stores, so hit the shops early for the best inventory.

Andrea Woroch is a nationally-recognized consumer and money-saving expert who helps consumers live on less without radically changing their lifestyles. From smart spending tips to personal finance advice, Andrea transforms everyday consumers into savvy shoppers. She has been featured among top news outlets such as Good Morning America, NBC's Today, MSNBC, New York Times, Kiplinger Personal Finance, CNNMoney and many more. You can follow her on Twitter for daily savings advice and tips.

Colette is a busy mom of 2 kids focusing solely on being a mom. She hails from the Caribbean and now balances the full life of being a SAHM and dabbling in odd jobs to help around the home. She enjoys sharing her memories, hopes, food, travel, entertainment, and product experiences on her blog.
Please read my disclosure Tweet

Welcome to the Game Wirelessly! Event featuring the PlayMG Wi-Fi Gaming System

Why is the MG so different from any other Wi-Fi device - from smartphones to tablets?
The MG fills a huge void currently experienced by kids and teens who either are not old enough to have their own smartphones, or whose parents have found data plans cost prohibitive. The MG isn’t just a device, it is a system that will mean many kids and teens will finally be able to enter the world of freemium apps, and all of the abilities that come with it, while parents can safely and affordably give it to them.

MG Topline Features:

Built in Wi-Fi allows entry into the unlimited world of low cost and free app gaming

Big 4" touchscreen encased in a sleek and sturdy "pocketable" game-centric design: rounded corners and grip provide a perfect hold on the app playing experience

4GB built in memory with SD port for expandable memory ability: add SD cards and download and save as many apps as desired. (This is important-even the iTouch has a fixed memory)

Proprietary MG Origins Avatar System: as gamers use the MG, they gain points, customize and unlock the origin story of their own personal gaming companion

Preloaded games and cash credit toward game purchase

1.3 Megapixel Front-Facing Camera and ability to shoot and play video

Stereo Headset Jack

Operating on ICS ; includes new Face Unlock security feature

One winner will receive the MG!

Giveaway ends January 7th at 11:59pm, open to US residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck.

a Rafflecopter giveawayDisclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. JamericanSpice is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

Colette is a busy mom of 2 kids focusing solely on being a mom. She hails from the Caribbean and now balance the full life of being a SAHM and dabbling in odd jobs to help around the home. She enjoys sharing her memories, hopes, food, travel, entertainment, and product experiences on her blog.
Please read my disclosure Tweet

I used to be those other people and sometimes I still am. I seem to carry a melancholy during the holidays and it's as if I'm still alone.

They say this is the best time of the year
And for most of us that's probably how it feels
But what about the ones left alone
And all the people hurting,
Looking for a glimpse of hope

We could be that shining light
To show the heart of Christmas time
People need love
And we all are able
So take some time and start today
To give some joy and hope away
'Cause you might be
You might be
Somebody's angel

We run and run
We fill our schedules up
The gifts, the rush
Consume us all so much
Salvation army Santa's ringing his bell
Giving us a little reminder
There's a world that needs our help

We could be that shining light
To show the heart of Christmas time
People need love
And we all are able
So take some time and start today
To give some joy and hope away
'Cause you might be
You might be
Somebody's angel

This Christmas
Don't miss it
The chance to love someone right where they are
Don't miss it
Don't miss it

We could be that shining light
To show the heart of Christmas time
People need love
And we all are able
So take some time and start today
To give some joy and hope away
'Cause you might be
You might be
Somebody's angel

1. Visit YouTube (or other) and get your music for the theme of the week

2. Grab our "Monday's Music Moves Me" button (above)

3. Add your post to the linky - follow the hosts and grab our buttons. Leave a note so we can follow you back

4. Visit each other and leave a comment or whatever you want to do to let them know you were there. See if they have the same music style as you. Enjoy the music!

You can also join Denise @

Colette is a busy mom of 2 kids focusing solely on being a mom. She hails from the Caribbean and now balance the full life of being a SAHM and dabbling in odd jobs to help around the home. She enjoys sharing her memories, hopes, food, travel, entertainment, and product experiences on her blog.
Please read my disclosure Tweet

12/23/12

Ahh what love for us. I don't deserve it. I can't even understand that there is a king who loves me. I'm rotten man. Sigh, but he does. It says, if it was only me on earth, he would still die for me.

Sometimes on Christmas we unwrap the dreaded "indescribable gift." It is our politeness that keeps us from asking, What is it? What am I supposed to do with it? Or, Are you sure this is for me? On the other hand, each of us has probably received another kind of "indescribable gift" -- one that leaves us speechless with appreciation. Such a gift is one we never expected, one we think we don't deserve, and one that leaves us awestruck.

It's that second kind of indescribable gift that Paul tells the Corinthians about in 2 Corinthians 9:15 -- that gift being the grace of God in Jesus Christ. Some have described grace as "God's Riches At Christ's Expense." That's a good place to start in describing grace, but it's much harder to describe the free gift that God has given us. Who gives a gift of complete forgiveness to guilty sinners? Why would someone sacrifice Himself for the sake of those who might not even appreciate it? How is it possible that such love and forgiveness never ceases, even when our gratitude does? That's why it's called indescribable.

Do your best this Christmas to thank God for His indescribable gift -- and to extend that same gift to others.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
2 Corinthians 9:15

Recommended Reading
Romans 5:15-16

Colette is a busy mom of 2 kids focusing solely on being a mom. She hails from the Caribbean and now balance the full life of being a SAHM and dabbling in odd jobs to help around the home. She enjoys sharing her memories, hopes, food, travel, entertainment, and product experiences on her blog.
Please read my disclosure Tweet

12/22/12

I keep seeing this fun Catch a Santa around the web and I love the idea! Come have fun with us and enter to win!

How many times has your little one tried to stay up to catch Santa? Well, this year you can tell them you will stay up for them and get a picture for them or just surprise them with the "proof" of Santa!

Catch A Character lets you take your own picture, upload it {very easy to do}, add their Character, then print and share!

They even have Santa in different poses to make sure you can easily fit him into the picture.....LOVE IT!!

It's not just Santa you can add to a picture they also have the Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny and more! This year they have also added: White, Black and Hispanic Santas+ Now featuring Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

We are going to have a great time during our Twitter Party and give away great prizes such as several codes so you can bring the magical proof to a child you know and $100 in Paypal prizes!

So make sure to attend!!

What you need to do to attend:

First Enter to win $20 Paypal by entering the form below.

Then, signup here for the twitter party and participate in the party to win! On the sign-up form click on the blue words and add your twitter handle. If you have never been to a twitter party it is very easy!!

When it is time for the Twitter Party to start follow the Tweet Grid here: http://bit.ly/isantagridor follow the hashtag #iCaughtSanta

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. JamericanSpice is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

Colette is a busy mom of 2 kids focusing solely on being a mom. She hails from the Caribbean and now balance the full life of being a SAHM and dabbling in odd jobs to help around the home. She enjoys sharing her memories, hopes, food, travel, entertainment, and product experiences on her blog.
Please read my disclosure Tweet

12/20/12

My kids love all the veggies except broccoli!
Even when it's hidden in the meat! Oh yes I cook it to hide :)

Colette is a busy mom of 2 kids focusing solely on being a mom. She hails from the Caribbean and now balance the full life of being a SAHM and dabbling in odd jobs to help around the home. She enjoys sharing her memories, hopes, food, travel, entertainment, and product experiences on her blog.
Please read my disclosure Tweet

This blog is not responsible for shipping prize to winner, nor did we accept any compensation for helping promote this event. All opinions are 100% my own based on my own experiences.

Colette is a busy mom of 2 kids focusing solely on being a mom. She hails from the Caribbean and now balance the full life of being a SAHM and dabbling in odd jobs to help around the home. She enjoys sharing her memories, hopes, food, travel, entertainment, and product experiences on her blog.
Please read my disclosure Tweet

12/19/12

A few days ago our church had a pajamas party. It wasn't really geared for the kids per se. It was actually parents night out. The parents had two hours to go out and have fun!

Even though my husband wasn't home, I took the kids to the pajamas party as they were so excited to hang out with their friends. And I mean, who wants to miss a pajamas party at church!!! or the mall or anything party!

I dropped the kids off and went and sat in the parking lot, trying to figure out what to do with myself.
I couldn't think of anything, so I just sat there for two hours reading books :) Good thing I am a bookworm!
Pathetic eh.

Oh well. That's life.

The kids had a blast and didn't want to leave their friends!

Boy was super excited about the ninjago - Baby girl just love all things princessy!

Colette is a busy mom of 2 kids focusing solely on being a mom. She hails from the Caribbean and now balance the full life of being a SAHM and dabbling in odd jobs to help around the home. She enjoys sharing her memories, hopes, food, travel, entertainment, and product experiences on her blog.
Please read my disclosure Tweet

12/18/12

I love the idea of purchasing toys that are for the long term and that is also education and beneficial for the child. I guess with my budget, I better make it count, so here is a great article to help with your shopping this season!

The Smart Mom’s Toy Box

15 Brain-Building Toys Under $15

By Dr. Ken Gibson

Parenting is all about compromises. Your daughter wants candy for breakfast, so you settle on toaster waffles with only one layer of blue frosting. Your son doesn’t want to clean his room, so you agree to a viable path to the hamper if you promise not to look under his bed.

Christmas is no exception to the rule of compromise. Your kids want fun toys, but you don’t want to blow your entire budget on junk that’ll either rot their brains or fall apart before the wrapping paper is taking over your living room floor.

Luckily, there are plenty of great toys for little ones that help develop complex learning skills, like memory, logic & reasoning, processing speed, attention, and auditory and visual processing. Best of all, these brain training games can help strengthen the cognitive skills needed to make learning easier – and they’re all under $15!

Just skim through the list and look for skill sets based on your child’s age and abilities. Do you have a seven-year-old with ADHD? Look for toys that strengthen selective, divided and sustained attention. Teaching your kindergartner to read? Select toys that strengthen phonemic awareness (letter sounds) through rhyming, segmenting and sound blending.

We now know that the brain is plastic, and since IQ is simply a measurement of cognitive skills, we can raise IQ by strengthening cognitive skills at ANY age. Toys that build and strengthen learning skills are like home exercises for your child’s brain.

5. 60-Second Jumbo Timer by Learning Resources ($12.40 in Walmart stores)
Use this colorful timer with any activity or game to add the element of speed to any game – even solitaire and simple memory games played alone.
Ages: 2+
Cognitive skills: processing speed
6. Minute Math Electronic Flash Card by Learning Resources ($13.16 on Amazon.com)
This handheld gadget builds number fact fluency in timed and untimed modes with three levels of difficulty. Gives positive, corrective feedback (both visual and auditory).
Ages: 6+
Cognitive skills: visual processing, auditory processing, math computations, processing speed

7. Rattled by Educational Insights ($8.49 on Amazon.com)
Just shake and then use the letters that appear to create words. Use individually or with teams.
Ages: 8+
Cognitive skills: sound blending, sound segmenting, attention, processing speed
8. Spot it! By Blue Orange ($11.98 on Amazon.com)
Find the symbol that each of two cards has in common. A fun, fast game for the entire family.
Ages: 7+
Cognitive skills: attention, processing speed, visual processing

9. Sport Stacking Game – Stacks Cups by Flying Cup ($12.50 on Amazon.com)
Stack in sequences as fast as you can. Compete against your own time or against friends.
Ages: 8+
Cognitive skills: planning, processing speed, visual processing

12. Sequence for Kids by Jax Ltd. ($11.99 on Target.com)
Play a card from your hand, place a chip on a character and aim for four in a row!
Ages: 4+
Cognitive skills: logic & reasoning, planning, problem solving, sequential processing, visual processing, working memory
13. 4 In a Row by Pressman Toy ($10.07 on Amazon.com)
Be the first player to get four color disks in a row and you win!
Ages: 6+
Cognitive skills: attention, logic & reasoning, executive processing, planning, sequential processing, problem solving

15. Mancala For Kids by Pressman Toy ($9.49 on Amazon.com)
With animal shapes instead of stones, this version of the centuries-old classic is still a gem.
Ages: 6+
Cognitive skills: logic & reasoning, numerical concept, numerical fluency, planning, problem solving
Cognitive skills are the learning skills used to attend to and retain information, to process, analyze and store facts and feelings, and to create mental pictures, read words and understand concepts. When cognitive skills are strong, academic learning is fast, easy, efficient and even fun. Toys that work these skills are a step in the right direction to create strong learners.

Take this list with you when you head to the store (or online!) to do your holiday shopping. And who knows? If strengthening cognitive skills is this fun, maybe you can convince your kids that picking up wrapping paper is a game. Or maybe not.

Dr. Ken Gibson, is the co-author of Unlock the Einstein Inside: Applying New Brain Science to Wake Up the Smart in Your Child and founder of LearningRx, a national brain training franchise with 83 centers across the nation.

Colette is a busy mom of 2 kids focusing solely on being a mom. She hails from the Caribbean and now balance the full life of being a SAHM and dabbling in odd jobs to help around the home. She enjoys sharing her memories, hopes, food, travel, entertainment, and product experiences on her blog.
Please read my disclosure Tweet

About Me

Colette is a busy mom of two children. This LA girl is from the Caribbean and loves the arts, sharing reviews, giveaways and a host of eclectic topics on her website. She is quite busy on the social media circuit and is always up for learning and sharing great ideas that will aid in living a successful lifestyle. Find me at www.jamericanspice